Manage PDF file sizes in Adobe Illustrator

Last updated on Oct 30, 2026

Learn how to reduce PDF file sizes in Adobe Illustrator using compression, downsampling, and PDF save settings.

Use the Adobe PDF save options to reduce PDF file size while maintaining the quality required for web, email, review, or print. PDF save options control image compression, font embedding, and editing data. Select settings based on whether the PDF is intended for screen viewing or commercial printing.

Configure general PDF settings

Select File > Save As.

Select Adobe PDF as the format.

Select Save.

In the Save Adobe PDF dialog box, deselect Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities to reduce file size.

Select Optimize for Fast Web View to reduce PDF file size and support faster page-at-a-time downloading.

If you need Acrobat layers, select Create Acrobat Layers from Top-Level Layers.

Note

If you deselect Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities, Illustrator flattens transparency when you reopen the PDF in Illustrator. Use this setting only for final distribution files.

Configure compression and downsampling

Select Compression.

Select a downsampling method for color and grayscale images.

Enter the target resolution.

Enter a value in For Images Above to apply downsampling only to images above that resolution.

If you select JPEG or JPEG2000, select an Image Quality level. If you select JPEG2000, specify a Tile Size, if required.

Select a compression method for monochrome images.

Select Compress Text And Line Art.

Understand downsampling methods

Average Downsampling: Averages pixels in a sample area to determine the color.

Bicubic Downsampling: Uses weighted averaging to produce smoother gradations.

Subsampling: Uses the center pixel for faster processing but produces less-smooth images.

Understand compression methods

Automatic: Automatically selects compression and quality based on the artwork.

ZIP: Works well for images with large areas of solid colors or repeating patterns.

JPEG: Reduces file size using lossy compression, which can reduce image quality.

JPEG2000: Provides higher compression and supports progressive display.

CCITT and Run Length: Support monochrome bitmap images only.

Configure font subsetting

Select General in the Adobe PDF Options dialog box.

Locate the Subset Embedded Fonts When Percent Of Characters Used Is Less Than field.

Enter a value from 0 to 100.

Smaller file size: Use 100% to subset fonts whenever possible.

Complete font embedding: Use 0% to embed complete fonts.

Select Save PDF.

Design with precision in Illustrator
Bring your ideas to life with vector graphics tools built for creative freedom and accuracy.

Open the app

Use Illustrator artwork in Photoshop

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.